Younis signs central contract

Younis Khan has signed the central contract more than a week after the Pakistan boad's August 15 deadline.

Younis missed the deadline as he was playing county cricket in England and had informed the board he would need some time once he returned home on August 22 to go over the documents.

Younis, who had rejected an offer to join the Indian Cricket League, believed he could play for Pakistan for four or five years more and would consider playing in the league on the verge of retirement. "Obviously the money they are offering is quite attractive but now my preference is to play for Pakistan and at some stage when I will see that I am near to retiring I will consider it to earn more money," Younis told the News.

Part of the squad for the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa next month, Younis said winning the tournament would add to the team's confidence ahead of the home series against South Africa. Pakistan play two Tests and five ODIs against South Africa in October before travelling to India for five ODIs and three Tests.